Dunleavy makes his picks for two empty House seats

Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Tuesday announced the appointment of Garret Nelson and Steve St. Clair to fill two vacant seats in the Alaska House of Representatives.

Steve St. Clair will represent House District 26. He has lived in Wasilla for the past 15 years and is a retired military police first sergeant. St. Clair also brings legislative experience, having spent seven years in Juneau working as a legislative staffer. The House District 26 seat became vacant when Cathy Tilton was appointed to the Senate to fill the vacant seat left by Shelley Hughes, who chose to run for governor.

Garret Nelson was appointed to represent House District 29. Nelson and his family have lived in Sutton for nine years, and he currently serves as chair of the Sutton Community Council. This seat was held by George Rauscher, who was appointed to serve in the Senate after Sen. Mike Shower resigned to run for lieutenant governor with Bernadette Wilson, gubernatorial candidate.

“I appreciate the willingness of these Alaskans to step forward to serve at a pivotal time for our state,” Dunleavy said in a statement. “Their experience and commitment to their communities will help ensure their districts continue to have a strong voice in the Alaska House of Representatives.”

The governor also thanked the other applicants who put their names forward for consideration, acknowledging their willingness to serve the state.

Nelson and St. Clair will assume their legislative duties upon confirmation by the House Republicans, in accordance with Alaska law.